Focus & Productivity Vocabulary

purposeful and systematic practice aimed at improving performance

“Deliberate practice is key to mastery.”

Origin: Psychological concept popularized by K. Anders Ericsson

professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration

“He blocked off four hours every morning for deep work.”

Origin: Coined by Cal Newport

the state or quality of achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort

“Automation improved the factory's efficiency.”

Origin: Latin 'efficientia' from 'efficere' (to accomplish)

the ability to produce a desired or intended result

“The efficacy of the new strategy is yet to be proven.”

Origin: Latin 'efficacia' from 'efficere' (to accomplish)

the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen

“The opportunity cost of watching TV is the time you could have spent studying.”

Origin: Economic concept

the relative valuation placed on receiving good at an earlier date compared with a later date

“High time preference leads to impulsive spending.”

Origin: Economic concept related to patience